Darwin "Buddy" Earl Wilson

Darwin Earl “Buddy” Wilson, of Groesbeck, went home to be with His Lord and Savior on Friday, June 1, 2012, at the Groesbeck LTC Nursing and Rehab Center, at age 79. Visitation will be Sunday, June 3, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., at the Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, June 4, 2012, at the Church of Christ in Groesbeck, with Brother Richard Williams and Brother Charles Daily officiating. Burial will follow in Faulkenberry Cemetery, with Masonic graveside services, led by Brother Howard Vann of Bremond serving as Worshipful Master. Pallbearers will be Anson Wilson, Jacob Davis, Dale Lowry, Cody Price, Rand Bates, and John Sidener. Groesbeck Masonic Lodge #354, and all Texas Masons will be honorary pallbearers. Buddy was born January 11, 1933 to Earl K. Wilson and Linnie Ray (Patterson) Wilson at Ben Hur. The family moved into Groesbeck the next year, and he attended Groesbeck schools, and played half-back on the Groesbeck Goat football team. He graduated in the Class of 1952, and then moved to Corpus Christi to work with his uncle for his apprenticeship as a brick mason. He worked as a Union bricklayer out of the Waco Local Union, for over thirty years. He had worked on many big construction sites all across the state, including Scott and White Hospital in Temple, and schools and public buildings in Austin, Waco, and other cities. He and his brother Wayland worked together laying brick and building chimneys for many local homes. After retiring from brick laying he continued working, including delivering Meals on Wheels for Limestone County Senior Citizens. His greatest satisfaction in all his work career was from his delivery of meals, where he always provided even if the person couldn’t pay, and was always willing to help with various chores needed. Buddy was a 50-year member of the Groesbeck Masonic Lodge #354, receiving his 50 year pin in January 2012. He was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter 810. He was a long and faithful member of the Church of Christ of Groesbeck, where he was loved by all for his willingness to serve in any way needed. Buddy was a true servant of the Lord. He took care of neighborhood children when he thought they needed Christmas presents, and he always had elderly or persons in need of transportation that he carried to church services. He exhibited the patience beyond most people’s capability in picking up residents of the nursing home or their homes to bring to church services. In later years, he was often heaving their wheelchairs into the back of his truck or car when he was hardly able to lift it, without complaining or asking for help. During the last few years in the Nursing Home, he still served others by pushing wheelchair residents to the dining room when he could barely walk himself. Buddy enjoyed all sports, was a Dallas Cowboy fan, loved rodeos, loved all music but especially country and gospel music. His greatest enjoyment was in helping people. His children are proud to call him their father. Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gayland Wilson and Billy Wilson; sister Shirley Scott; brother-in-law, Caroll Scott; and sisters-in-law, Mae Wilson and Johnnie Wilson. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Karen Wilson of Groesbeck; daughter, Denise and Mike Pike of Palestine; and daughter, Dawn and Larry Price of Mexia; six grandchildren: Anson Wilson and wife Ashley of Groesbeck, Lindsay Wilson of Dallas, Michele Davis and husband Jacob of Waco, Laci Lowry and husband Dale of Mexia, Amy McGilvray of College Station, and Cody Price of Mexia; seven great grandchildren: Rylee Wilson and Brynlee Wilson of Groesbeck, Jackson Davis and Jade Davis of Waco, and Hunter Lowry, Gracyn Lowry, and Hagan Lowry of Mexia; and brothers, Wayland Wilson of Groesbeck, Dwain Wilson and wife Darla of Waco; and Bobby Wilson and wife Debbie of Groesbeck; and sister, Nela Fay Brown and husband Garland Brown of Groesbeck.